Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Dawn at dawnarne@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good fun, great prizes, great benefits.
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- Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Big Cove Free Labor
- Dec. 20 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Big Injun Racing
EBCI Community Events
8 Point Deer Hunt. Now through January 1, 2026. Tags available at EBCI Natural Resources 1840 Paint town rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719 last day to get tags is Dec. 22. All tags must be returned by Jan. 9 by 4 p.m. Info: (828) 359-6110.
Cherokee County Clinic Ribbon Cutting. Dec. 10 at 12 p.m. at 2355 Tomotla Rd., Marble, NC. 28905.
Wolftown Community Holiday Light Contest. Register by Dec. 12. Prizes for top 3 homes. Voting will be done on evening of Dec. 13. Register with Tuff at (828) 788-4088.
Cherokee Christmas Bazaar. Dec. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Activity Building 1416 Acquoni Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Enjoy Christmas shopping with multiple vendors. Contact Angie Garcia (828) 778-4585.
Tsalagi Magical Christmas Parade. Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., Downtown Cherokee, Cherokee, NC. 28719. For more information contact the Cherokee Welcome Center (828)359-6491 or email chriswatt@ebci-nsn.gov
Ollie Bird Descendants Family Dinner. Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church Upper Room, 129 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. RSVP (828) 788-5563
Family Safety Giving Trees. Now till Dec. 15 visit one of the Giving Tree locations, listed on flyer. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Family Safety Building 117 John Crowe Hill Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Family Safety invites you to make a difference this holiday season by sponsoring a child from the Giving tree.
Post #143 Meeting and Christmas Dinner. Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Santa & Mrs. Clause will be onsite to visit with the Post and Bring Joy.
Last Minute Christmas Shopping. Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Building 1416 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719 Info: Carol Bernhisel at (828) 736-1059.
Mother’s Gathering. Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Choices Conference Room 810 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Topic: Diabetes, activity will be making healthy holiday treats. Info: Kristina Hyatt at Kristina_hyatt@centerfornativehealth.org
Manna Food Bank Community Market. Dec. 18 from noon – 2 p.m. at the Wolftown Gym, 27 Long Branch Rd., Cherokee, NC 28719. Stop by for FREE grocery staples, produce and other perishables from MANNA Foodbank, bring your own bags. INFO: Megan Stamper (828) 359-6934.
2025 Cherokee Youth Center Christmas Bazaar. Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Cherokee Boys and Girls Club, 1570 Acquoni Rd. Info for vendors: (828) 359-8113
Last Minute Christmas Shop.Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. a the Pam Taylor Gym 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Multi vendors, food onsite. Info: Angie Garcia (828) 778-4585.
Yellowhill Community Christmas Lights Contest. Judging on Dec. 19, 1st place $ 300, 2nd place $200, 3rd place $100 winners announced at Yellowhill Christmas Dinner. To enter your house for judging, call Virginia at (828)788-8659.
Holiday Kids Event. Dec. 20 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Complex, 1212 Birdtown Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719.FREE festive fun for the family. Hosted by the Jones – Bowman Leadership Award Program.
Cherokee Invitational Women’s Basketball. Starting Dec. 20 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Resort 777 Casino Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Featuring High School teams. Info: www.cherokeeinvitational.com/event.
Cherokee Invitational Women’s Basketball. Starting Dec. 21 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Resort 777 Casino Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Featuring College teams. Info: www.cherokeeinvitational.com/event.
Wolftown BINGO Night. Jan. 10 at Wolftown Community Club 12 Burgess Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Contact Lynn at (828) 736-6150.
Cherokee Cultural/Historic Events
Quallatown Makers. Will update as new dates are provided. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all artforms are welcome. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks. Can follow the group on Facebook.
Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 31, 2026 at the Peaches Squirrel Sports & Rec. Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone Welcome! Traditional Dress & Ribbon Shirts/ Skirts encouraged. All Cherokee Singers welcome, bring your rattles & drums. Food provided by Nikki’s Frybread.
EBCI Community Regular Meetings
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIWA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Meetings
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Work Session on Ord. No. 11 (Underground Storage Tanks). Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 27 (Requirement for Executive and Dinilawigi to provide reports). Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 28 (Weighted Vote). Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 30 (Transparency in Tribal Government, Legistar). Dec. 16 at 11 a.m.
Work Session on Beloved Women. Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.
Confirmation hearing for Brett Smith to the Kituwah, LLC Board. Dec. 18 at 1 p.m.
Confirmation Hearing for Hannah Youngdeer, Ericka Panther, and Randall Crowe to the Cannabis Control Board. Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Pow Wow Listings
Prairie Unity Competition Pow Wow. Dec. 19-21 at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. Emcees: Clifton Goodwill and Ricky White. Host Drum: Dakota Hotain. Info: Ralph Francis (204) 870-9713 or Joan Smoke (204) 871-4668, or email info@prairieunity.ca
Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow. Dec. 20-21 at Imperial Beach Pier Plaza in Imperial Beach, Calif. MC: Randy Edmonds. Host Northern Drum: Dancing Cloud. Host Southern Drum: Red Warriors. Info: (619) 708-7858, grassdancer7@yahoo.com
Cheyenne Arapaho Labor Day Pow Wow Committee Fundraiser/Benefit Pow Wow. Dec. 28 at the Emergency Response Center Building in Concho, Okla. MC: Marshal Williamson. Head Singer: Howard Cozad. Info: (405) 889-6949, (580) 791-1689, (405) 570-3776, or (580) 210-3345
Pechanga Pow Wow, Jan. 9-11, 2026, Pechanga Resort Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temacula, CA. 92592. Emcees: Bart Powaukee, Howie Thomson. Invited Drums: Eyabay, Ho Chunk Station, Leading Arrow, Meskwaki Nation, Omaha Whitetail, Sizzortail, Whitefish Jr., Wild Rose. Info: powwow@pechanga.com or call 888-PECHANGA
First Peoples Festival Friendship Pow Wow. Jan. 17-18 at the Estes Park Events Complex in Estes Park, Colo. MC: Steve LaPointe. Host Northern Drum: Drifting Bull. Host Southern Drum: Elk Creek. Info: No contact information was provided
13th Annual Great River Eagle Days Winter Gathering Intertribal Pow Wow. Jan. 24-26 at the Oakley Lindsay Center in Quincy, Ill. MC: Clifton Hall. Info: Leslie Haslem (217) 430-5087, Ravenwoman2015@yahoo.com
Big Mac Memorial Round Dance. Jan. 31 in the Shakopee Cultural Center in Shakopee, Minn. Emcees: Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka, John Teller Jr. Invited Groups: Meskwaki Nation, Southern Boyz, Wild Rose, Red Willow. Info: Terri Ann Taylor (952) 495-4462
Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, Jan. 30 – 31, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl. 33314. Emcees: Juaquin Hamilton, Ruben Little Head. Pow wow Info: Eugenia Osceola (954) 594-2992 or Rochelle Osceola (954) 805-1623.
Spirit of Nations Pow Wow. March 28 at Jefferson County High School at 115 W. Dumplin Valley Rd. in Dandridge, Tenn. Info: www.indiancreekproductions.com
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
Western N.C. and Beyond Events
Christmas Candlelight Tours. Dec. 12, and 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Shelton House 49 Shelton St., Waynesville, NC. 28786, for an evening of fun. Tours begin at the front porch of the house, where you will be escorted inside to our dining room for drinks and hors d’ouvres. Additionally, harpist Tina Morgan will be playing live music for your enjoyment. After you get settled in, you will receive a tour of the house decorated for the holidays, illuminated by seasonal lights! Live foliage throughout the home, generously provided by the Waynesville Garden Club and Mountain View Garden Club, are sure to make you feel festive. Spaces for the tours are limited, so make sure you reserve your spot now by purchasing tickets. Call(828)452-1551.
Swain County Democratic Party Monthly meeting: Monday, Dec 8th at 7pm, at the United Community Bank, 145 Slope St, Bryson City (Community Room, enter in back). Zoom option available: Contact swaincountydems@gmail.com to receive a link. All Democrat & left-leaning unaffiliated voters are invited.
Asheville Anime Fest. Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Haywood park Hotel One Battery Park Ace., Asheville, NC. 2880. Asheville Anime-Fest is an anime collectors’ mecca convention located in the beautiful City of Asheville, North Carolina. Striving to be North Carolina’s best and truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of anime, manga and pop culture items the promoter brings North Carolina an event that will satisfy all anime fandom! Information: www.ashevilleanimefest.com
Christmas at Red Clay. Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. There will be 4 tours to sign up for. Come enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds, led by a living history guide from the 19th century. Learn about the Cherokees’ activities during the harsh winter months and the missionaries’ impacts on Cherokee life. Call (423) 889-3249 to register.
Monthly Pet Food Giveaway. Dec. 17 starting at 8 a.m. at the Cherokee Animal Care Clinic 1100 US Hwy 441 N, Whittier, NC. 28789
Qualla Community Club Christmas Market. Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Qualla Community Club 180 Shoal Creek Church Loop, Whittier, NC. 28789. Info: Facebook message Qualla Community Club.
